Amid the ongoing leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, representing Agege Constituency I, has been re-elected as Speaker of the Assembly after a tumultuous seven-week struggle.
Obasa’s re-election came on Monday following the resignation of Mojisola Meranda, who stepped down from her position as Speaker. His nomination was made by Noheem Adams, the former Majority Leader representing Eti-Osa Constituency I. Obasa was sworn in as Speaker, marking his return to the position seven weeks after his removal.
Obasa has been a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly since 2007 and served as Speaker from June 2015 until his ousting in January 2025. His re-election brings a dramatic conclusion to a power struggle that has engulfed the Assembly.
The crisis reached its peak on January 13, 2025, when Obasa was removed by more than two-thirds of the 40-member Assembly over allegations of misconduct and other offenses. In the aftermath, Meranda, Obasa’s deputy at the time, was elected as Speaker, making history as the first female to hold the position in Lagos State.
Obasa, however, rejected his removal, insisting that he remained the legitimate Speaker. He criticized the militarization of the Assembly complex during the impeachment process and claimed his removal occurred while he was out of the country.
Despite Obasa’s objections, 36 lawmakers loyal to Meranda upheld her election and insisted that she remained Speaker. Tensions escalated on February 17, 2025, when clashes between security agents and legislative workers erupted at the Assembly complex. In the aftermath, Meranda received a vote of confidence from the majority of lawmakers, and the House adjourned indefinitely.
Obasa made a dramatic return to the Assembly on February 27, 2025, escorted by a contingent of armed security officers. This marked his first appearance in the chamber since his removal, and he once again asserted that he was still the rightful Speaker, despite the protests and the continued loyalty of lawmakers to Meranda.
The power struggle between Obasa and Meranda has highlighted deep divisions within the Lagos State House of Assembly, leaving the leadership of the body in a state of flux.
